La Mesa
For the third time since June, the City of La Mesa turned down a nude spa operator’s request for a business license, citing a contested city ordinance that bans businesses “contrary to the public peace or morals.”
The city on Monday again denied a request by Thad Poppell, a self-styled pastor of the Universal Life Church, to operate a spa called “Between the Two.”
La Mesa officials originally denied Poppell’s request in June, but were forced to reconsider because of a ruling by a San Diego Superior Court judge, who upheld the ordinance but said Poppell was entitled to a hearing on the matter.
The city held its hearing on Aug. 1, when a dozen clergymen and two school superintendents appeared to testify against the spa. On Aug. 13, the City Council voted to deny a business license for Poppell.
But Poppell’s attorney, Thomas Homann, complained that he was not notified about the vote. City officials then called a special meeting Monday, when they voted again to reject Poppell’s request.
“I think they (the council) realized they didn’t give us a fair hearing,” Poppell said of Monday’s vote. “They (were) trying to cover up for that.”
Poppell has filed suit against the city and has vowed to keep the spa open.
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